The revenu de solidarité active (RSA) guarantees a minimum income to people with no or very low resources, after they have exhausted their unemployment rights. If you find yourself in this situation, you can still receive a certain amount each month, depending on your family situation.
Considering becoming an auto-entrepreneur may be an idea for creating your own job, and the good news is that the RSA is cumulative and compatible with a micro-business.
Conditions for receiving the RSA
The RSA is accessible to all people, whether French or foreign, in work or not.
To qualify for the RSA, certain conditions must be met:
- Be over 25 or between 18 and 25 with at least 2 years' full-time employment, pregnant or with children,
- Reside in France for at least 9 months a year,
- Be of French, European or Swiss nationality, or have held a residence permit for 5 years or more,
- Not receive any other social benefits (unemployment, pension, ASS, etc.),
- Have incomes below the established ceilings.
For example, a micro-entrepreneur can qualify for the RSA if he or she meets the eligibility conditions.
How do I qualify for RSA as an auto-entrepreneur?
There are two possible situations:
- If the auto-entrepreneur was already receiving the RSA before setting up his business, the monthly RSA amount is maintained for three months, enabling him to concentrate calmly on developing his business (equipping himself, canvassing customers, fitting out his premises, etc.). After this period, he or she must declare quarterly sales to the CAF, indicating gross and net income.
- If the auto-entrepreneur wishes to become an RSA beneficiary, he or she must apply on the CAF website, like any other applicant. They can also carry out an online simulation to check whether they meet the eligibility conditions and find out how much they can claim.
How is the RSA calculated for a micro-entrepreneur?
The RSA is calculated on the basis of the following formula: amount of RSA according to situation - other resources - flat-rate housing benefit. Other resources include professional income, alimony, pensions, income from the rental of movable and immovable property, and certain family benefits. In addition, a flat-rate deduction is applied for housing assistance, reducing the amount of the RSA. For example, in 2023, the RSA for a single person receiving APL or without housing costs will be reduced by €71.82.
For a micro-entrepreneur, professional income corresponds to net sales, obtained by deducting from gross sales a tax allowance of 71% for shopkeepers and 50% for craftsmen or service providers.
It is important to note that as soon as net income exceeds the RSA ceiling, the RSA is no longer paid. An adjustment is then made every quarter.
In this case, it is possible to combine the RSA with the prime d'activité, which is designed to help workers with incomes higher than the RSA, but still modest. It is therefore possible to receive both benefits without any incompatibility. To qualify for the prime d'activité, however, the application must be accepted by the CAF.